I flinch. I’d recognize that horrible voice anywhere.
I peek around the stranger to see if I’m right, even though I already know I am.
I spy a buzz cut. And a serpent neck tattoo.
Both belong to the guard Leo regularly assigns to my detail.
I don’t have even a second to panic before the handsome, dangerous stranger drops my wrist and wraps his strong arms around me. He turns us deeper into the alcove, shielding me from view and blocking me from the guards’ sight with his body.
Engulfed by his massive physique, I can’t see or hear the guards anymore. I can’t hear anything over the galloping pace of my heart.
My entire awareness is eaten up by the fact that I’m in this man’s arms. He smells so amazing that despite the horrible predicament I’m in, I close my eyes and breathe him in. Something woodsy and expensive floats up my nose, infecting my brain with a momentary calm.
When he pulls back, I see him for the first time. His rectangular face, held up by a strong, devastating jawline, topped with light golden brown hair. Hazel eyes that glint in the faint glow of the open geode walls around and above us. A straight nose leading to that sensuous mouth…
A tremble originates from somewhere deep inside me.
He may be the most handsome man I’ve ever seen in real life. Not that I’m an expert. I’m sure the number of total men I’ve interacted with in my entire life is a lot lower than most people my age. Still, I stand by my evaluation. I simply can’timagine there are that many men walking the earth who can physically compete with him.
And I just made out with him. On the worst night of my life.
The gravity of my situation pancakes me so hard, I’m dizzy as his arms release me. One of his big, warm palms takes my hand in an unshakable grip.
Without another word, he leads me in what I pray is the opposite direction of Leo and the security guards.
I don’t have much choice but to follow, nearly tripping over my own feet while trying to keep up with this man’s insanely lengthy strides.
I should thank him. Or at least ask for his name.
But honestly? I’m overwhelmed.
A few seconds ago, I wasthisclose to Leo catching me, and now my guards know I’m missing. Plus, as scary as both things are, I just had my first kiss back there. And I can’t get over how incredible it was.
For a while, I started believing that I’d never get that experience.
What shocks me most about him, more than his stunning features, more than the breathtaking kiss straight out of a rom-com, is his eagerness to help.
I had no idea that a man this dangerous possessed any capacity for compassion. He was in my cousin’s VIP section, the area reserved for close, personal associates of the De Lucas. If he was there, then he and Leo must share history.
Which means he can’t be a good guy.
But despite that, his willingness to assist me in my moment of need still floors me. No man has ever cared for me.
No man, period.
I’ve never encountered one I could turn to for support or run to for aid. I grew up understanding that men aren’t safe. If I needed care or kindness or attention, I sought out a woman. Mymother, an old cook who eventually retired. Mae. The idea of a man who helps on a whim, just because I asked? Laughable.
And yet something about this man makes me feel safe. A truly ridiculous notion.
I’m ridiculous.
I keep stealing glances at the guy, but I still don’t know what to think. Is he a good man in a bad place? Or a bad man in a bad place who also happens to be a skilled con artist?
My nerves jitter as he leads me down the dark corridors, but I do my best to ignore them. Good women exist in the world. My mom and Mae are proof of that. Is it really so farfetched to believe decent men exist too? Not every man can be the equivalent of an Enzo, Matteo, or Leo. Otherwise known as Satan’s trifecta.
We veer sharply to the left and move through a long hall. Rock walls cocoon us. The dark stone is illuminated by tiki torches, their flames casting dancing shadows on the uneven surfaces.
This guy clearly knows where he’s going. I’m the one who’s lost.
